What Rights Go With Property Ownership?
“All of us live downstream, downwind, or next door to property where pollution or unsuitable activities can harm our health, safety, or property values.” Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in opposing a federal takings bill. If you own private property, you are not automatically entitled do whatever you want to with that property. Property ownership carries responsibilities as well as rights. Government officials who seek to respect property owners’ rights must also recognize the government’s responsibility to help maintain livable communities for all residents. If you purchase 100 acres of oak trees, you are purchasing only that, 100 acres of oak trees. You have not purchased the right to cut down those trees and plant a vineyard. If you own 100 acres of productive farmland, you have the right to continue to farm, but you have no right to turn all or part of that farmland into a housing development. If you own a vacant lot in a residential neighborhood, you are not automatically entitled to
